§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what was the cost of the new security fence, including cameras, recently erected at RAF Menwith Hill; and what proportion of the costs was met by his Department. [95744]
§ Mr. SpellarThe construction of the new security fence at RAF Menwith Hill is being funded by the US Government. The UK contribution is limited to some administrative costs relating to professional fees and management of the works programme to which some £24,000 has been allocated to date. The total cost of the project is a matter for the US authorities.
§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the Articles of the(a) Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty and (b) Outer Space Treaty, which govern the use of RAF Menwith Hill (i) as part of the National Missile Defense for the USA and (ii) as part of the Space Based Infra Red System (SBIRS). [95747]
§ Mr. SpellarThe United Kingdom is not party to the Anti Ballistic Missile Treaty. Questions on its interpretation should be addressed to the USA and Russia. Article IV of the Outer Space Treaty requires that the moon and other celestial bodies should be used exclusively for peaceful purposes; prohibits placing weapons of mass destruction in orbit, on the moon or on other celestial bodies; and prohibits placing military facilities, conducting military manoeuvres, or the testing of any type of weapons on the moon and other celestial bodies. It imposes no limitations on other military activities in outer space.